Tag: home

I get you. It is going to be a really big mess if you decide to demolish the original tile flooring. And you might do some research work and find out that it is possible to install tile over tile. Well, based on the guideline of ANSI A108 — the Installation Standard Specification for Ceramic Tile, the general requirements for tile installations, A108.02 4.1.1 states:

“All surfaces shall be structurally sound, clean, dry and free of oily or waxy films and all foreign matter. Concrete surfaces shall be free of form oil, curing compound laitance, and cracks.”

That said, there are still conditions that you are able install tile over tile, but here are 5 questions you need to answer before you take this strategy:

Did the old installation fail?

If so, what was the cause of failure?

Was it an installation or structural problem?

If it was properly installed, is the membrane still well adhered and able to perform its job to support the new installation?

Often, we like to start an interior design project from a rug the client falls in love with. We pick up the textures, colors and patterns in the rug design for the rest of the house. Therefore, choosing a right rug plays such an important role in defining any room style. Here are 3 trends of high-end rugs:

Unique design. More and more people nowadays don’t really want those products served for the mass market–same design, same technique… Rather they prefer something different and has wow factors.

One of the trends in the recent years is that people more prefer the modern interiors with soften touches. These can be soften color palettes, silk or velvet fabric choices or floral patterns on textiles, decor objects or surfaces. The floral patterns can work as an magic wand for any interiors. They light up the home with a touch of elegancy. The keys to make them look fresh are 1)just use right amounts of the patterns; 2) have a contrast with surroundings; 3) with a modern twist.

In case you are in the process to bring more spring cheers to home, there are 5 ways to bring florals to home:

Upholster an accent chair with floral-patterned fabric to live up any rather darkened spaces.

An floral patterned chair always make us feel moody and romantic.

2. Yes, a floral tablecloth please.

A floral tablecloth instantly light up this corner. A spring party is ready.

3. A floral daybed drape.

Ladies, this is how we pamper ourselves—a cozy den, a floral drape and fresh flowers. what else can we expect?

Last Saturday was a beautiful day—sunshine, nice breezes and full-blooms everywhere. I was invited to an open house by a Japanese Gifu craft showroom in west LA. Since I need to find some unique kitchenwares for couple of projects. I decided to take a little road trip.

As you can see, I always love to stop and small flowers specially when it is spring season.By entering the showroom, OMG, I was just amazed by how they arranged these beautiful organic kitchenwares with a little touch of ikebana–subtle, calming yet elegant.

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What I hold is a mini donabe condiment bowl. It is just so cute. Donabe is a kind of Japanese traditional earth-ware(clay pot). You can see how we open these little donabe from the following video.

These little bowels for sure put me in a good appetite.

We found this cool middle-size clay smoker with various kinds of charcoal choices.And look, this lid also serves ads a bowel.What a genius idea!Tradition Japanese Hoba miso in Gifu–grill miso over dried magnolia leaf for an unique aroma.

So, if you are in the process to re-organize or re-style your kitchen for spring cleaning here are several tips to make the task fun and easier:

Kitchenwares are one of the major components in the kitchen. So, find something that is Love in the first sight. When you have something you truly like and enjoy, you probably won’t feel it is not really that boring to do any chore in the kitchen.

Have some fresh flowers or greenery in your kitchen no matter how small and how simple your kitchen is. I guarantee those little beauties will brighten up your everyday-life.

Have the habit of collecting inspiring menus that talk to you. That way, you know how you are going to use your kitchen and how you would like to arrange and display your kitchenwares.

It will be a good idea to have couple pieces of earth wares–they are natural, organic and artsy, and always remind you of your mom’s kitchen. So at the end of the day, you may find kitchen is your favorite place to wind down and reconnect with the family.

I love visiting artists’ studios. Often, I am just so amazed how they make the spaces so livable with simple creative ideas and great cares. There are always fresh flowers and plants in their studio making guests feel so inviting and fresh. Of course, we can learn from them too. Here are 3 simple ways to bring spring indoors.

Having fresh flowers and greenery everywhere in your home. You can just pick them from your backyard–it is touch of nature.

Fresh flowers always make me smile!

2. Hosting a spring party in your garden with fresh-cut flowers , home-made organic cocktail and cozy seating , and your party venue become part of spring memory.

From the beginning of 2019, we have been constantly studying the decor trends by going to all sorts of trade events. It is true that you should always choose what speaks to you. However by understanding what’s going on in the market, you can always find some better ways to express yourself. Since spring is here, it is a perfect time to fresh up your home. Here are 4 trends we have observed so far and love to share them here in our blog. Hope you find them useful for your projects.

Chinossorie.

A touch of oriental decor, it doesn’t matter it is a vase, a fabric print, a painting, always adds a touch of whimsical to any space. Just remember, a little bit is just enough. after all, you are not an antique store.

Spring is here. The warmer weather and blooms magically put everyone in a very cheerful mood. So, we took the opportunity and wander around LA street to immerse ourselves in the season and get inspired.

I always have a thing about bicycles. I love purple and flowers in this picture! It’s a dream if I can just ride a bicycle with full blooms in a small quiet beach town. If you happen to plan some make-over for your home, lilac is one of the good choices. I specially like lilac in matte finish. And also, remember have some fresh flowers at home! They will make you feel much happier!It’s a late afternoon. I like how the sun shines on the industrial building creating interesting shadows. This hot pink minimalism bench is such a eye candy in contrast with the grayish industrial surroundings. Spring finally broke through the coldness and is here with a little bit surprise and cheer. Take -away— for your interiors, don’t just pile things up, rather intentionly layer different things through creating interesting contrast!Graffiti on LA street is always my inspiration. Take-away for interiors: please always have some artworks for your home. They are the soul for each space. They make your lifestyle much deeper.Wood just brings the warmth for this high-ceiling modern space with a lot of whites.Cool rope lighting in this sun-lit cozy Japanese restaurant. I always love the room with a lot of natural lights

An outdoor space with a lot of greeneries, wicker peacock chairs and pink antique rug.

One of the most exciting elements in the design world is lighting thanks to the fast-growing LED technologies. Only couple of years ago, I still had difficulty to find really cool design-oriented LED chandeliers. But, obviously not now. With advanced LED technologies, we have more freedom to design whatever forms and shapes we want in a non-traditional way. Here are 5 trends for high-end lighting fixtures I summarized after attending several trade shows recently:

LED lighting with different temperature colors.

Sculptural pieces to make a statement;

Large size with multi-materials;

Hand-made;

Details, details, details

Check out the following video to find out what’s cool in high-end lighting by yourself

It’s middle of the week again. I hope you are all doing very well. I have couple of design projects going on simultaneously. I feel a little bit overwhelming and look for some inspiration to just keep myself going. I started to organize the photos for the events I have been to recently. I found something that really lights up my day—yes, a beautiful tabletop. I guess color and fresh flowers always stimulate my brain to release more endorphin and make me feel happy. I hope you feel the same way too.

Hi guys, here is our series 2 take-aways from KBIS2019 —we are going to highlight 9 trends in bath from what we saw at KBIS2019. There are are tons of new colors, new finishes, new technologies, new designs…In order to illustrate how cool all of these new things are, we will incorporate a lot of visual effects here. So, we would apologize here first if you feel there are just too much of them. Anyway, it’s time to grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine, sit back and just enjoy.

Color, color, color. You may just see either white or beige for lavatory sink finish options in your local home improvement stores, but definitely not here in KBIS:These lavatory sinks are made out of fireclay and stain-resistant. We love these warm tones which give design more options, specially for making a statement in the powder rooms.

3. Heated bubble massage tub:

Heated bubble massage is far more gentle and soothier than the regular whirlpool jet massage. Everyone needs this at end of the work day.

4. Creative LED lighting application

LED lighting underneath the tubs and toilets to create visually floating effect.LED Lighting on top of the toilet cover.LED lighting in the lavatory sink.LED lighting backlit mirror.

5. Product for small space design.

How neat! You will fall in love with this whole petite-size set if you happen to have a small bath to work with.

6. Intelligent technology

LED lighting, music, the warm air underneath the toilet…things cannot get any better. It’s a night club in the powder room.

7. Digital shower

You can choose whatever the spray patterns from your smart phones.

8.Maxmism design

When we talk about the technologies, here is the design.

9. Minimum design with a classic touch.

sleek, modern yet very detail-oriented.golden trim around the toilet seat–such a nice touch.

In case you haven’t read our series-I take-aways from KBIS2019, here is the link